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| Two proud lads! |
As I have mentioned before on this blog, there has been an
enormous sea-change in the attitude of farmers across the country towards
conservation in the last 20 years or so.
Not only have farmers embraced conservation and now most
(73% are in a Stewardship scheme) integrate management options for soil, water
and wildlife into their farm businesses, but they have also started to work
alongside the local community in a much better way. I think that most farmers
would freely admit that they have not engaged that well with the folk that live
around them in the past, but events such as “open farm Sunday” and “Farmer’s
markets” have helped to start to strengthen these links.
I have also discussed how important it is to involve young
people from all walks of life, so that they start to understand a little more
about how the countryside is run, where their food comes from and to “open” their
eyes to some of the beauty that surrounds them, whether that is a stunning
landscape or a tiny flower.
One great example of the progress being made, which I happen
to be involved with, is the formation of the farmer led Marlborough Downs Nature
Improvement Area. Farmers have joined
forces to manage a whole landscape, rather than just their own individual
farms, so that they can collectively have a greater impact by all “pulling in
the same direction”.
Here is a link to demonstrate how farmers, local
conservation experts and youngsters have all come together to great affect: http://www.marlboroughnewsonline.co.uk/features/general/2809-marlborough-downs-farmers-are-bringing-tree-sparrows-back-from-catastrophic-decline-with-some-enthusiastic-helpers
Now if this isn't
a good news story – then I don’t know what is!!
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